PAF plane transports rescue teams, relief items to quake-hit Batanes

The PAF C-295 transport plane sent to quake-hit Batanes. Photo from NDRRMC

MANILA, Philippines — A Philippine Air Force C-295 transport plane has been dispatched to provide crucial assistance following two major earthquakes that struck Batanes in northern Philippines.

National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council Undersecretary Ricardo Jalad said the Air Force transport plane left Villamor Air Base in Pasay City on Saturday morning.

Before heading to Batanes, the transport plane proceeded to Cauayan, Isabela and Tugegarao City, Cagayan and picked-up rescue teams and disaster relief items.

Photo from NDRRMC

Aftershocks continue to rock Batanes hours after it was hit by two strong earthquakes on Saturday morning.

Before landing in Batanes, the transport plane will first have to wait for the advisory on the safety of Basco and Itbayat runways, Jalad said.

At least 7 people have been killed and about a dozen were wounded from the the 5.4 and 5.9 magnitude quakes recorded just hours apart in east of Itbayat early Saturday.  /muf